If we know one thing about guys in ancient Rome, it’s that they swung both ways. “Roman society almost unanimously assumed that adult males would be capable of, if not interested in, sexual relations with both sexes,” as John Boswell noted back in his 1980
His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them. Elijah, along with Moses, came into view, in deep conversation with Jesus. Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep
Scholarship on the Bible and ‘LGBT issues’ is proving to be very startling lately. Here are a few recent papers to check out: 1. Biblical-era Jews were maybe not so ‘anti-gay’ Most men in the ancient world were assumed to be bisexual, so it’s not
Jesus and homosexuality: A lens It’s common for more progressive Christians to defend LGBTQ+ people by saying that Jesus said nothing about homosexuality. But is that true, if we’re referring to the versions of Jesus that have made it down to us in the collections
Part 12 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in
Part 9 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42) He was a criminal. Some translations of the Bible
Part 8 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. In the countryside close by there were shepherds. (Luke 2:8 New Jerusalem Bible) Whether as small figurines in a home nativity scene or
Part 7 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus. (Luke 19:1) When it comes to compiling a list
Part 4 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. (Luke 7:13 NLT) As Luke relates the story, a great crowd followed Jesus
Part 3 of the 12-part series “Lepers, Loons and Losers: The Outcasts of the Gospels.” Read the rest of the series here. Now there was a woman who had suffered from hemorrhages for years. (Luke 8:43 NRSV) In the Jewish culture at the time of